The Story Behind Abbey National’s Iconic Umbrella Logo

Abbey National’s logo featuring an umbrella has become one of the most recognizable logos in the UK. But how did this iconic logo come to be? Let’s take a closer look at the story behind Abbey National’s umbrella logo.

The History of Abbey National

Abbey National was a UK-based bank that was founded in 1944 as the Abbey National Building Society. It was one of the largest building societies in the UK until it demutualized and became a bank in 1989. In 2004, Abbey National was acquired by Santander and rebranded as Santander UK.

The Design of the Logo

The umbrella logo was first introduced in 1965, when Abbey National was still a building society. The design was created by a graphic designer named Hans Schleger, who was also known as “Zero”. Schleger was a prominent designer in the 20th century and was known for his modernist style.

The Meaning Behind the Logo

The Evolution of the Logo

Over the years, Abbey National’s logo has undergone several changes. In the 1980s, the logo was updated to include the word “National” in a bold font. In the 1990s, the logo was simplified and the word “National” was removed. Finally, in 2002, the logo was updated to include the word “Abbey” in a modern font.

The Legacy of the Logo

Despite the changes to the logo over the years, the umbrella has remained a constant symbol of Abbey National. The logo has become one of the most recognizable logos in the UK, and is still remembered fondly by many people who grew up with the building society.

In conclusion, the story behind Abbey National’s umbrella logo is one of simplicity, protection, and security. The logo has evolved over the years, but the umbrella has remained a constant symbol of the company’s commitment to its customers.

Abbey National, a former British bank, is well-known for its iconic umbrella logo. This logo has been a symbol of trust and reliability for the bank’s customers for many years. But what is the story behind this famous logo? Let’s take a closer look.

The Origins of the Logo

The logo was first introduced in 1962, when Abbey National was still known as the Abbey Road Building Society. The society wanted a new logo to represent its brand and values, and commissioned a graphic designer named Hans Unger to create one.

The Inspiration Behind the Logo

The Evolution of the Logo

Over the years, the logo has undergone some changes. In the 1980s, Abbey National updated the logo with a more modern, stylized version of the umbrella. This version featured a sleeker, more streamlined design, with a more abstract representation of the umbrella.

In the early 2000s, Abbey National underwent a major rebranding effort, which included a significant overhaul of the logo. The new logo featured a more three-dimensional version of the umbrella, with a more vibrant color palette and a more modern, dynamic look.

The Legacy of the Logo

Despite these changes, the umbrella logo remains a powerful symbol of Abbey National’s brand and values. It has become an instantly recognizable icon, and has helped to build the bank’s reputation as a trustworthy and reliable financial institution.

Conclusion

The story behind Abbey National’s iconic umbrella logo is one of innovation, inspiration, and evolution. From its humble beginnings in 1962, the logo has become a powerful symbol of the bank’s brand and values, and has helped to establish Abbey National as one of the UK’s most trusted financial institutions.